Learn how mate can benefit your health, discover its origin and learn different ways to consume this traditional drink traduzido por: OPENROUTER
Submitted at Jul 10, 2026, 4:00 PM
(Magnific/Divulgação)
Mate is one of the most traditional beverages in South America and is gaining more and more space among those seeking healthy habits. Rich in antioxidant compounds, vitamins and minerals, it can be a great ally for energy, digestion and even cardiovascular health when consumed in a balanced way. In addition to being versatile, the tea can be enjoyed hot or cold, pure or combined with fruits and aromatic herbs.
(Magnific/Divulgação)
Whether in the traditional chimarrão from southern Brazil, the tereré consumed in the Center-West, or the famous iced mate of Rio's beaches, yerba mate has been part of Brazilian culture for centuries. Discover its origin, the main health benefits, and different ways to include it in your routine.
Mate is a beverage prepared from the leaves of Ilex paraguariensis, a native tree of the Atlantic Forest found mainly in Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay. Long before colonization, the herb was already used by the Guarani indigenous peoples, who believed in its energetic and medicinal properties.
A erva-mate é uma árvore nativa da Mata Atlântica, cujas folhas são ricas em compostos bioativos e utilizadas no preparo de bebidas tradicionais, como chimarrão, tereré e chá-mate. (Atitus/Divulgação)
Over time, the consumption of yerba mate spread to different regions of South America and gained several forms of preparation.
Os pequenos frutos avermelhados da erva-mate surgem após a floração e abrigam as sementes da planta. Além de contribuírem para sua reprodução natural, também servem de alimento para diversas espécies de aves, que ajudam na dispersão das sementes pela Mata Atlântica. (Pgmate-RS/Facebook/Divulgação)
Today, in addition to being part of regional culture, mate is also valued for its nutritional profile and for the bioactive compounds naturally present in its leaves.
Mate contains a large amount of phenolic compounds and polyphenols, antioxidant substances that help fight free radicals. In this way, they contribute to protecting the body's cells against oxidative stress, a process associated with premature aging and the development of various diseases.
Because it contains caffeine, mate helps improve alertness, concentration and physical and mental performance. Many people use it as an alternative to coffee to start the day or before physical exercise, since it provides energy gradually.
(Magnific/Divulgação)
Traditionally, mate is consumed after meals because it favors digestion. In addition, its consumption can stimulate bile production and facilitate the functioning of the digestive system, providing a feeling of well-being after heavier meals.
Research suggests that moderate consumption of yerba mate can help maintain healthy cholesterol levels, especially when associated with a balanced diet and regular physical activity. The antioxidants present in the beverage also help protect blood vessels.
Although it is not a solution for weight loss, mate can be part of a healthy routine. The beverage promotes a feeling of satiety, has few calories when consumed without sugar, and its caffeine can contribute to a slight increase in the body's energy expenditure.
(Receitas Nestlé/Divulgação)
A simple and refreshing way to enjoy the benefits of yerba mate is to prepare an iced tea with lemon.
Ingredients:
500 ml of water;
2 tablespoons of yerba mate for infusion or roasted mate tea;
Juice of 1 lemon;
Ice to taste;
Honey or another sweetener (optional);
Mint leaves for finishing (optional).
Preparation method:
Boil the water and turn off the heat. Add the yerba mate and let it steep for about five minutes. Strain, let it cool, and add the lemon juice. Serve with plenty of ice and, if desired, finish with mint leaves for an even more refreshing touch.
(Magnific/Divulgação)
One of the advantages of yerba mate is its versatility, since it can be prepared in different ways and adapted to each person's preferences.
Chimarrão: traditional in the South Region of Brazil, especially in the states of Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, and Paraná, it is prepared with hot water and consumed in a gourd with a bombilla. It is part of the local culture and is usually shared among family and friends.
Tereré: very popular in Mato Grosso do Sul, Mato Grosso, and in states close to the border with Paraguay, it is made with very cold water and often includes aromatic herbs such as mint, lemongrass, and boldo.
Iced mate: gained fame mainly in Rio de Janeiro, where it is sold on beaches, parks, and kiosks. It is a refreshing drink for hot days and can be consumed plain or sweetened.
(Bossa +55/Divulgação)
Mate with lemon: widely appreciated in the Southeast, especially in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, it combines the slightly bitter flavor of the tea with the acidity of the lemon, resulting in a balanced drink rich in vitamin C.
Hot mate infusion: present in several regions of the country, it can be prepared in sachets or with dried leaves and served plain or combined with spices such as cinnamon, ginger, and clove, making it an excellent option for cold days.
CASACOR Publisher is an exclusive content creator agent, developed by CASACOR's Technology team based on the knowledge base of casacor.com.br. This text was edited by Chrys Hadrian.
traduzido por: OPENROUTER
